History of Fanuc

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Introduction

Fanuc’s legacy as the premier global manufacturer of industrial robots spans a rich history characterized by relentless innovation and pioneering strides in automation technology. With an impressive track record of over 600,000 industrial robots installed worldwide, their iconic yellow robots symbolize precision, efficiency, and technological excellence in the manufacturing sector.

The beginning

In 1956, the visionary Dr. Seiuemon Inaba laid the cornerstone of Fanuc in Japan, initially focusing on the development of numerically controlled (NC) machines. Dr. Inaba’s foresight and dedication to advancing control technology formed the nucleus of Fanuc’s transformation into a trailblazing force in robotics. The very name ‘Fanuc,’ stemming from ‘Fuji Automatic Numerical Control,’ underscored the company’s early commitment to innovating control systems.

dr-seiuemon-inaba
dr-seiuemon-inaba

The start of Robotics

The watershed year of 1972 marked a significant milestone with the introduction of the computer numerical control (CNC) machine, marking a pivotal juncture in Fanuc’s evolution towards robotics. However, it was in 1974 that Fanuc ventured into industrial robotics, installing their maiden robots in Japanese factories. This monumental leap laid the groundwork for their expansion into Europe and the subsequent introduction of revolutionary products like ROBOCUT and ROBODRILL.

First Partnership 

The early 1980s witnessed Fanuc forging a strategic partnership with General Motors Corporation, culminating in the establishment of GMFANUC Robotics Corporation. This strategic alliance empowered Fanuc to expand its operations in the United States, heralding its ascendancy in the global robotics domain.

The early 1990s saw substantial restructuring, leading to the creation of FANUC Robotics Corporation, along with subsidiaries such as FANUC Robotics North America and FANUC Robotics Europe. These strategic reorganizations fortified Fanuc’s global footprint and laid the foundation for future innovations.

The big growth spurt

Despite its storied legacy from the 1950s and the establishment of a dedicated robotics division in the 1980s, Fanuc’s transformative success in industrial robotics gained substantial momentum primarily in the 2000s. This transformative era witnessed the introduction of innovative robot lines, advanced robotic controllers, and sophisticated software, cementing Fanuc’s position as a frontrunner in the industry.

Fanuc’s extensive range of articulated robots catered to diverse production applications. Among their distinguished offerings, the FANUC Arcmate 120ic from the Arc Mate series emerged as a preferred choice for various welding applications, including plasma and laser welding.

During the mid-2000s, Fanuc bolstered its success with the launch of the R-2000 series, featuring flagship models like the R2000ib/165F and the R-2000ib/125L. Renowned for their durability and reliability, these 6-axis robots excelled in automated material handling and spot welding across industrial settings.

Diverse Applications

Fanuc continued its quest for innovation, unveiling the delta robot series in 2009, prominently featuring the FANUC M-1ia. Characterized by a unique parallel link design, these ‘spider robots’ were optimized for swift, lightweight robotic picking, automated packaging, and assembly tasks. Integration of robotic vision systems further elevated these robots, enhancing efficiency and precision.

Collaborative Robotics

Fanuc’s commitment to innovation culminated in significant milestones. In 2013, the company underwent a reorganization, rebranding into FANUC America Corporation. Two years later, Fanuc celebrated a monumental achievement, surpassing a landmark figure of 400,000 robot units produced, solidifying their legacy in the robotics industry.

The year 2015 marked a transformative leap as Fanuc introduced its first collaborative robot, the CR-15iA. This innovative creation, equipped with enhanced safety sensors, rounded edges, and a soft exterior covering, revolutionized human-robot interactions. In subsequent years, Fanuc continued to innovate, dedicating an entire series to collaborative robots, furthering their commitment to safe and seamless human-robot collaboration.

Global Reach

Throughout its evolution, Fanuc expanded its global presence, establishing subsidiaries and strengthening operations across diverse regions worldwide. Their unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence earned them accolades and recognition from esteemed institutions, positioning Fanuc as one of the world’s foremost innovative companies.

Future Prospects

Fanuc is the top robotic manufacturer in the world. With over 600,000 industrial robots installed to date, they have become known as the industry leader with their signature yellow robots. Fanuc was one of the first Robot Manufacturers. Nowadays there is a lot more competition between the robot manufactures. This makes the market and technology change really fast.

Source: Fanuc.com and historical records

Timeline of FANUC

1956

  • Development of the first NC in the Japanese private sector.

1958

  • Shipment of the first commercial FANUC NC to Makino Milling Machine Co., Ltd.

1959

  • Development of Japan’s first continuous path NC and electro-hydraulic pulse motor.

1960

  • Creation of the first open-loop NC, FANUC 220.

1965

  • Development of the first NC for linear cutting, sparking a significant advancement in Japan.

1966

  • Introduction of the first all-IC type NC.

1968

  • Completion of the world’s first commercial DNC.

1969

  • Development of the fully modularized NC.

1972

  • Establishment of FUJITSU FANUC LTD, becoming independent from FUJITSU LIMITED.
  • Introduction of CNC and NC drill.

1974

  • Development and implementation of industrial robots in the factory.
  • Dr. S. Inaba, President of FANUC, receives the 6th Annual Memorial Award of “Joseph Marie Jacquard” by the American NC Society.
  • Commencement of production and sale of DC servo motors under GETTYS MANUFACTURING CO., INC license.

1975

  • Creation of the wire-cut electric discharge machine.

1976

  • Joint establishment of GENERAL NUMERIC CORPORATION in the U.S.A.

1977

  • Dr. S. Inaba receives the SME Engineering Citation and is honored by the government of People’s Republic of Bulgaria.
  • Establishment of FANUC USA CORPORATION and the Automation System Laboratory.

1978

  • Joint establishment of KOREA NUMERIC CORPORATION and FANUC EUROPE S.A.

1980

  • Establishment of FANUC-MACHINEX JOINT OFFICE in Bulgaria, FANUC U.K. LIMITED, and FANUC GERMANY GmbH.
  • Completion of the Fuji Factory.

1981

  • Renaming of FUJITSU FANUC LTD to FANUC LTD.
  • Awarding of “Medal with purple ribbon” to Dr. S. Inaba by Emperor Showa.
  • Establishment of FANUC-MACHINEX LTD in Bulgaria.

1982

  • Establishment of FANUC MECHATRONICS S.A. in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
  • Opening of the Technical Training Center.
  • Joint establishment of GMFanuc Robotics Corporation in the U.S.A.

1983

  • Joint establishment of 600 FANUC ROBOTICS LIMITED in the U.K.
  • Visit by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Henri of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to FANUC Fuji Complex.

1984

  • Visit by His Majesty the Emperor (the then Crown Prince) to FANUC Fuji Complex.
  • Completion and relocation of Headquarters to the foot of Mt. Fuji.
  • Development of the fully electric plastic injection molding machine “FANUC AUTOSHOT”.

1985

  • Development of the FANUC Series 0, which became the best-selling CNC.
  • Honor bestowed upon Dr. S. Inaba by the Grand Duke de Luxembourg with the Commandeur de l’Ordre Grand-Ducal de la Couronne de Chene.

1986

  • Construction of the Central Technical Center, the Robot Assembly Factory, and the Production Technology Laboratory in the Headquarters area.
  • Signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with General Electric for a joint venture in factory automation.
  • Visitation by the Emperor Showa to FANUC Headquarters.

1987

  • Dr. S. Inaba receives the “J. F. Engelberger Award for Technical Development” by Robotic Industries Association.
  • Establishment of the FANUC Medical Center and the FANUC Collection of Historical Art Materials.
  • Awarding of “the 1987 M. Eugene Merchant Manufacturing Medal” by ASME/SME of the U.S.A.

1988

  • Construction of the Fanuc Product Development Laboratory in the Headquarters area.
  • Visit by His Royal Highness Prince Willem Alexander of the Netherlands to FANUC Headquarters.

1989

  • Establishment of the Tsukuba Factory and the FANUC Culture Center.
  • Establishment of the Foundation for Promotion of Advanced Automation Technology.
  • Dr. S. Inaba honored with “the Grand Officier de l’Ordre de Mérite du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg” by the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

1990

  • Award of “Medal with blue ribbon” to Dr. S. Inaba by His Majesty the Emperor.

1991

  • Erection of a monument in commemoration of Emperor Showa’s visit to FANUC.
  • Construction of the System Factory and the Hayato Factory.

1992

  • Dr. S. Inaba elected as a foreign associate of the National Academy of Engineering of the United States.
  • Restructuring of GM Fanuc Robotics Corporation to FANUC’s wholly-owned shareholding company.
  • Joint establishment of BEIJING-FANUC Mechatronics CO., LTD in China.
  • Establishment of Fanuc India Limited as a joint venture.

1993

  • Visit by His Royal Highness Crown Prince of Luxembourg to FANUC.

1994

  • Joint establishment of TATUNG-FANUC ROBOTICS COMPANY in Taiwan.

1995

  • Joint establishment of Fanuc GE Automation Singapore Pte. Ltd. in Singapore.
  • Dr. S. Inaba decorated with “the Second Class of the Order of the Sacred Treasure”.

1996

  • Visit by the honorable Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia, to FANUC headquarters.

1997

  • Joint formation of Shanghai-FANUC Robotics CO., LTD. in China.
  • Construction of the new Servo Motor Factory.

1998

  • Visit by His Excellency Mr. Natsagiin Bagabandi, the President of Mongolia, and Mrs. Natsagiin Bagabandi to FANUC.

1999

  • Visit by Their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress of Japan to FANUC with Their Royal Highness the Grand-Duke and the Grand-Duchess of Luxembourg.
  • FANUC AC SERVO MOTOR series wins the 1999 MITI Minister’s Award for Outstanding Energy Saving Equipment.

2000

  • Completion of the Sheet Metal Factory and the Nature Hall.
  • Restructuring of Fanuc India Limited to FANUC’s fully-owned company.
  • Visit by Prime Minister Chinese Zhu Rongji to FANUC.

2001

  • Completion of the new Roboshot Factory and the Cooking Center.

2003

  • Establishment of FANUC VIETNAM LIMITED.
  • Establishment of the local corporation in Russia, “FANUC AUTOMATION” LLC.
  • Visit by His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince to FANUC.

2004

  • Establishment of FANUC EUROPE SERVICE GmbH, FANUC ROBOMACHINE EUROPE SALES GmbH, and FANUC CZECH s.r.o.

2005

  • Establishment of Nagoya Sales Branch.
  • Restructuring of GE Fanuc Automation Europe S.A. into GE Fanuc Automation CNC Europe S.A. and GE Fanuc Automation Solutions Europe S.A.
  • Establishment of FANUC ROBOSHOT GmbH and completion of the Fanuc Servo Motor & Fanuc Spindle Motor Factory.

2006

  • Completion of the new Press & Die Cast Factory.
  • Establishment of FANUC HUNGARY SERVICE and FANUC ROBOMACHINE FRANCE.
  • Renaming of FANUC EUROPE SERVICE GmbH to FANUC EUROPE GmbH.

2007

  • Establishment of FANUC SOUTH AMERICA SERVICE LTD.
  • Name change of GE Fanuc Automation Americas, Inc. to GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, Inc.
  • Name change of GE Fanuc Automation CNC S.A. to Fanuc GE CNC Europe S.A.
  • Merger of FANUC FA SERVICE LTD, FANUC ROBOT SERVICE LTD, and FANUC LASER SERVICE LTD into FANUC SERVICE LTD.
  • Establishment of FANUC POLAND SERVICE LTD and FANUC NORDIC SERVICE AB.
  • Completion of the facility of Cut Manufacturing Department of Tsukuba Factory and Nagoya Technical Center.

2008

  • Establishment of FANUC SWITZERLAND SERVICE GmbH.
  • Completion of the Fanuc Rome bath and the CNC Factory.

2009

  • Dissolution of the joint venture with General Electric Company.
  • Establishment of FANUC CNC America Corporation and FANUC CNC Europe Corporation.
  • Introduction of the FANUC Series 0i MODEL D.

2010

  • Milestone achievement of manufacturing over 10 million servo motors.
  • Name change of FANUC CNC America to FANUC FA America Corporation.
  • First representation of one united FANUC at IMTS.

2011

  • Recognition by Forbes magazine in the top 100 World’s Most Innovative Companies list.
  • Recognition by Thompson Reuters as a 2011 Top 100 Global Innovator.

2012

  • Reorganization of European subsidiaries leading to the establishment of FANUC Europe Corporation.

2014

  • Rebranding of three divisions into one UK company, FANUC UK.

2015

  • Introduction of the first industrial collaborative robot in Europe, the CR-35i A Robot, expanding robot-human interaction boundaries.